Quote:
|
Originally Posted by gonadman
Exam, fasting lipids, BP check. You don't need prostate checked until age 50, 45 if there is a family history. Stress test is usually only done(and only paid for by insurance) if there is an abnormal EKG and cardiac symptoms, as it is a very expensive test.
Nothing else really needed at this age unless the physical turns up anything abnormal
|
Hahaha...
Brian, go to bed tonight and thank the Deity of your choosing that you live in Canada, where doctors exams and tests are free!
I would contact the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons and ask them if there is any public information they can provide about the doctor you are going to. They will tell you how long he (or she) has been in practice, what their specialization is, any reports of misconduct/discipline measures et cetera. You need to know what you are getting into. That information is free and public, and many people don't do this step out of laziness.
A CBC stands for "Complete Blood Count" and there is a whole lot of information about your circulatory system in that little test. Remember, that is only the blood talking.
A complete physical will include an EKG and a chest X-ray as well. Eye and ear exams, Oral and rectal. Yes, be prepared for the "Wandering Happy Finger": A rectal exam is not just to check your prostate, but for other abnormalities of the colon and anus. Dont scream "I'M NOT FORTY, GET THAT LUBED GLOVE OUT OF HERE, YOU QUACK" because there is a purpose to it.
If you are getting your cholesterol checked, they will tell you not to eat for 12 hours. That sucks.
Expect about 20-30 minutes of face time with the doc... if they miss something, ask. The human body is made up of many organs which are grouped into different systems. Respiratory, Circulatory, Digestive, Endocrine, Sensory, Reproductive, on and on.
Complete physical means just that. Head to toe. Bring any symptoms you have had in the last year to the docs attention. Dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, indigestion, blurred vision, headaches, diharea(sp?, 'the squirts') constipation, tingling in hands or feet, sharp or continuous pain anywhere.
Any medications you are on include multi-vitamins and other over-the-counter stuff. Tell the doc what you take.